Editorial
A new commission to protect rivers
Effectual implementation of relevant laws needed
We understand that draft of National River Protection Commission Act has been submitted to the Task Force on River Protection headed by the Shipping Minister and is likely to be put up for approval of the Cabinet shortly. The Act provides for establishing a commission with powers to prosecute river grabbers and encroachers.
This is another step in the government's effort to save our rivers from dying out on the back of the rather failed ones, given the pollution that they are being subjected to on the one hand, and on the other, the rather indiscriminate and carefree manner with which the rivers have been encroached upon. There is a sense of impunity in the manner with which river grabbing has gone on all these years. This has been the case with the major rivers, particularly those that are the Capital's lifelines, as well many others all over the country, which have had severe implications on river traffic and fishing.
The authorities have expressed their hope that the new law once enacted, would help prevent river pollution, stop river grabbing and end construction of structures on river banks, once and for all. And that is what begs the question.
It might be pertinent to point out that it is not enough to have a commission with powers to prosecute, what is perhaps equally important is the unflinching implementation of the prevalent laws and regulations, and an special body, if need be, with powers to enforce the laws, without having to be mired in legal procedures.
There are a plethora of laws in connection with the protection of environment and safety of public property. But that has not prevented people from polluting the rivers or encroaching upon them. This is primarily because, for one, there is lax in the enforcement of the law, and two, the loopholes of the law are exploited to circumvent the process of recovery. One hopes too that the commission will not be another bureaucratic hurdle to implementation of government policy. We feel that it should be given more teeth to ensure implementation of the policy regarding river protection within the bounds of the law.
We note with concern that the timeline for completing various works, like demarcating the river banks, are not being maintained. In this regard we welcome all that is necessary to expedite the work.
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